International Journal of Value Chain Management (15 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Evaluations of International Brand Alliances  
  by Günay Kurtuldu, Abdullah Okumus 
  Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to understand how Turkish consumers evaluate international brand alliances (IBAs) in terms of perceived fit, ethnocentrism, collectivism, perceived foreignness, attitudes, and purchase intentions variables. The findings show that there are positive relationships between attitude and perceived fit, perceived foreignness, and collectivism while the relationship between attitude and ethnocentrism is negative. Also, while there are positive relationships between purchase intentions and perceived fit, and attitude; a relationship between purchase intentions and ethnocentrism could not be determined. Moreover, positive relationships between ethnocentrism and collectivism, and perceived foreignness were identified.
  Keywords: International Brand Alliance; Brand Alliance; Perceived Fit; Ethnocentrism; Collectivism; Perceived Foreignness; Attitude; Purchase Intention; Structural Equation Modeling.
  
  
• PURCHASE OF FOOD IN LARGE PACKAGES IN THE ASPECT OF FOOD WASTE IN POLAND  
  by Magdalena Ankiel, Urszula Samotyja 
  Abstract: Food waste has become one of the top issues for individuals and organizations involved in food marketing and food policy. The presence of food waste and ways to reduce food waste has generated debate among industry stakeholders, policymakers, and consumer groups. Among the key reasons for wasting food in households, first of all, non-consumption of the product in a timely manner is given, which results in its deterioration or expiration. In the article, the authors presented the results of research on purchasing and consumption behaviour on the food market in Poland, with particular emphasis on buying products in large packaging. The survey results show that in Poland only
  Keywords: retail stores; food waste; food labelling; large packages; food purchase; distribution; shelf life labelling; expiration; food waste reducing; consumption behaviour; value chain.
  
  
• Inventory Management and Performance of Manufacturing Firms  
  by Rashmi Ranjan Panigrahi, Duryodhan Jena, Deepak Tandon, Jamini Ranjan Meher, Padma Charan Mishra, Ansuman Sahoo 
  Abstract: Inventory management practices (IMP) are prevalent in managing and controlling inventory in an organization. It is pertinent to know that the effective use of IMP is a critical success factor for any medium and large manufacturing firms. Inventory management practices deal with inventory control techniques and inventory automation techniques. The firms performance can be achieved through operational efficiency and competitive strength. The study aims to measure the performance of steel manufacturing firms by determining the effect of Distribution turnover and Inventory Automation over competitive strength and operational efficiencies. From the extant literature, it is evident that the above relationship is very limited in the Indian context. To establish the empirical relationship, data were collected from five selected manufacturing firms from the leading mineral reserve state of Odisha. Respondents of the study are some key officials viz., operations manager, production manager, purchase manager, store cum warehouse manager from various manufacturing firms. As per the need of the study, various statistical tools such as correlation, multiple regression, confirmatory factor analysis and Kolmogorov -Smirnov test were used. The outcome of the study concludes that IMP has significant impact on firm performance and also contributes to the existing body of knowledge by helping inventory management practitioners of manufacturing industry.
  Keywords: Firms Performance; Inventory Management Practices; Manufacturing Firms; Operational Efficiency; Productivity Performance.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJVCM.2021.10033598
   
  
• THE ROLE OF EUROPEAN LOGISTICS ASSOCIATION 2020 STANDARDS IN FACING MODERN INDUSTRY EXPECTATIONS AND LOGISTICS MANAGERS COMPETENCIES  
  by Franca CANTONI, Paolo Gaetano Bisogni, Tarvo Niine, Helmut Zsifkovits, Halina Brdulak 
  Abstract: Logistics industry and its operating environment is rapidly changing and evolving. The European Logistics Association, ELA, is actively keeping standards of logistics competence up to date to meet these challenges. This paper reflects on two sessions of experimental workshops working with logistics industry leaders to formulate modern era required competencies in emerging areas of logistics. The purpose of this research is twofold: to identify and understand industry expectations of skillsets in employing logistics specialists and managers in terms of digitalization, resilience and sustainability and to observe the commonalities in perceived competence requirements as stated by involved stakeholders in order to evaluate the maturity of the focal concepts on a practical field. This study contrasts three methods of workshop practice on formulating the expectations and allows additional observations on the homogeneity / heterogeneity of the three focal as expressed by industry leaders. The results emerged have practical implications on specialists working in the field, companies, HR departments, Universities and ELA itself.
  Keywords: logistics competence model; supply chain skills; digitalization; resilience; sustainability; competence expectations.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJVCM.2021.10033421
   
  
• Relationship between public support for research and development, and companies business performance  
  by Valerij Dermol, Vesna Skrbinjek 
  Abstract: This paper focuses on company's business performance by considering its research and development activities, participation in publicly funded research projects and collaboration with various research institutions. The data managed by Slovenian Research Agency was used where relevant information on scientific publishing for companies, as well as research institutions, are documented. The data was analysed by using SEM approach, in a total of 272 companies. The study confirms that companies participation in publicly funded R&D projects enhances their internal capabilities in terms of human and social capital, as well as their scientific impact, however, a slightly negative impact on companies' business performance was detected. Scientific impact of companys researchers reflected by their scientific publishing seems positively related to the business performance, although the link is quite weak. The study negates the existence of a moderating impact of a company size on the relationship between participation in R&D projects and business performance.
  Keywords: research and development; research activities; company; business performance; PLS structural modelling.
  
  
• Assessment of rice yield prediction models based on big data analytics for better supply chain decision making in Thailand  
  by Sumanya Ngandee, Attaphongse Taparugssanagorn, Chutiporn Anutariya, John K. M. Kuwornu 
  Abstract: This study examined rice yield prediction models based on historical datasets (1989-2017) for the main type of in-season rice cultivated in Thailand. Models were generated using the Machine learning (ML) algorithms: Generalized Linear Model (GLM), Feed-Forward Neural Network (FFNN), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Random Forest (RF). The prediction models were evaluated using Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), and R2 statistic. The results show that the FFNN outperforms the other models for rice yield prediction accuracy. While FFNNs prediction model building Big-O complexity and computation time exceeds other models, its execution of predictions takes least computation time. The practical implication of this study is to improve the quality of agricultural information dissemination services to farmers, wholesalers, retailers, middlemen, processors, financial institutions, policy makers and the general public for the development of Thailands agricultural sector, rice supply chains and the economy as a whole.
  Keywords: Precision Agriculture; Crop Yield Prediction; Forecasting; Big Data Analytics; Thailand.
  
  
• International Aspects of the Pork Production Value Chain in the Czech Republic  
  by Jaroslav Havlicek, Karel Sredl, Helena Rezbova, Lubos Smutka, Ludmila Domeova, Lucie Severova, Tomas Subrt, Roman Svoboda 
  Abstract: This paper presents a time analysis of the prices of pork in the food value chain for 5 European countries from 2010 to 2018 with respect to the position of small farms in the European market. The data analysis has shown that there is a significant difference between the live weight of pig prices of German producers and other producers in the five selected European countries. An economic performance comparison of Czech and German pork processing plants (slaughterhouses) has revealed the existence of a strong oligopoly at the given level of the value chain, more so in Germany, and their economic ties to primary production companies. Retail chains selling their private pork brands can afford to market them for a cost that is up to 20 % lower than the average price nationwide, which is beneficial for both businesses (higher sales) and consumers (lower price).
  Keywords: live weight pig prices; oligopoly; pig; pig prices evolution; pork meat; pork neck; price; primary production; retail chain; slaughterhouse; time series modelling; value chain.
  
  
• Supply Chain Management and Blockchain: bridging the antecedents of the technology with the status quo of Use Case Applications  
  by Yvonne Ziegler, Vincenzo Uli 
  Abstract: Blockchain technology has been characterized as a disruptive technology in multiple business contexts, including supply chain and logistics management. However, being at the centre of the academic debate since the beginning, the unique value proposition levers of blockchain (i.e. durability, transparency, immutability and process integrity) have never been connected to real-world applications on an empirical ground. In addition, how and to what extent do these real-world applications make use of this innovative technology? Our paper, aimed at enriching the conversation about real use case scenarios specific to the supply chain industry, is presented as a multiple case study leveraging a coding strategy that is structured around the reference literature on the topic. In particular, we cover seven companies that are operating blockchain networks in different supply chain and logistics contexts. The paper ultimately addresses the need for both practitioners and researchers to connect the dots between the blockchain networks and their empirical implementation within the supply chain industry.
  Keywords: Blockchain; Supply Chain; Logistics; Case studies; Internet of Things; Business Innovation Model.
  
  
• An integrated multi-objective mathematical programming and simulation model for a multi-layer facility location problem  
  by Mahdi Yousefi Nejad Attari, Saeed Kolahi-Randji, Ensiyeh Neishabouri Jami 
  Abstract: Multi-layer facility location problems deal with providing service to customers in different layers. In context of system performance and complexity, all the needed services of a customer that entered to system should be met and we suppose that the customer will remain in system until the last layer. In this study, we present an integrated methodology for multi-layer facility location problem considering the congestion in it using queuing theory which is highly used for modeling complex systems. An integrated multi-objective mathematical programming and simulation model under fuzzy environment is proposed, where first objective aims to minimize the total traveling time to the facility and second objective function aims to minimize probability of a facilitys free time. Discrete-event simulation model in Arena software is used to solve the model with respect to their efficiency in dealing with complexity of multi-layer systems. A numerical example including four different scenarios is tested for the proposed method. Results show that fourth scenario is better than others in context of the external sources needed to add to facilities in layers and it also decreases the waiting time for roughly 50%.
  Keywords: Facility location; Queue theory; Discrete-event simulation; Multi objective mathematical programming; Complex systems.
  
  
• S-SMILE model: a leveraging mechanism to polarise performance in small and medium enterprises An empirical study  
  by Saravana Kumar Ayannan, Venkatesh Babu R, Paranitharan K.P 
  Abstract: The economic development of a country is mostly based on manufacturing industries, wherein the role of the SMEs in manufacturing industries is considered to be more vital. The SMEs, which mostly depend on large manufacturing industries, are not able to sustain, hence could not achieve any long-term benefit. To address this issue, a novel effort is made to achieve long-term benefits by implementing the Lean concepts in Indian SMEs by deploying a research instrument to measure performance. This paper has been designed to analyse the performance of SMEs in India by a newly developed Model, namely System for Small Medium Implementing Lean Enterprises (S-SMILE). The model comprises of twelve critical success factors (CSFs) with 71 variables, which are analysed and validated through the perception of managerial executives. The results showed that the twelve CSFs of the S-SMILE model have a structural relationship and support the implementation towards attaining the performance.
  Keywords: S-Smile Model; lean manufacturing; critical success factors; SMEs.
  
  
• Factors influencing the choice of marketing channel by rice producers: Evidence from the Mekong Delta Region, Vietnam  
  by Tien D. N. Ho, Prof. John K. M. Kuwornu, Takuji W. Tsusaka, Loc T. Nguyen, Avishek Datta 
  Abstract: The study examined the factors influencing the choice of rice marketing channel (MCC) by smallholder rice producers in the Mekong Delta Region (MDR) of Vietnam. A multistage sampling technique was used to collect data from 405 rice producers in the three provinces, namely, Can Tho, Dong Thap and Tien Giang. The empirical results of a logit regression model reveal that distance, asset endowment, farm size, market quantity, price of rice, contract farming, organization, access to credit, extension service, access to transportation, and storage facilities influenced farmers choice of MCC. The findings suggest that policies should aim at setting up the appropriate floor price, improving transport infrastructure, access to formal credit, input subsidy, supporting farmer organizations and extension services to help these farmers to improve their livelihoods.
  Keywords: Logit regression; marketing channel; Mekong delta; rice; Vietnam.
  
  
• Value Chain Analysis of Organic Food Industry: A Worldwide Review of Empirical Evidences  
  by Krishan Boora, Varuni Sharma 
  Abstract: This study aims to furnish a broad overview of the growing literature available worldwide on VCA (Value Chain Analysis) and its innovative techniques to strengthen the Organic food Industry and various factors affecting the organic food sector by exploring the empirical studies of past 15 years (2004-2019). The research approach used for the analysis of review studies is a qualitative approach. The findings of previous studies have been analyzed with a decisive and interpretive approach to previous studies. The variables taken for the analysis were objectives; research methodology and significant results/conclusion of previous empirical studies have been investigated. The analysis of the previous empirical studies depicted increasing demand for organic food worldwide including India. These studies put in front the Value Chain related concepts to make organic food business more productive and profitable. The findings also discussed the common challenges faced by the sector like lack of expertise in the smooth flow of Value Chain, the high price of organic food, lack of awareness of organic food between common mass, lack of policies and incentives for high growth trajectory.
  Keywords: Value Chain Analysis; Organic Food.
  
  
• Pricing Decision in a Multi-Period Hub Location Problem under Uncertainty: A Mathematical Model  
  by Mahdieh Zare Bidoki, Masoud Rahiminezhad Galankashi, Mostafa Setak 
  Abstract: This research develops a multi-period mathematical model to address the Hub Covering Location Problem (HCLP) considering competitiveness, pricing, demand uncertainty and congestion. Although the HCLP is investigated in previous studies, concurrent investigation of these issues is less investigated. To fill the gap, this study models the HCLP with regard to aforementioned issues to maritime transportation problem. Particularly, it is assumed that the products are perishable and should be delivered in a specific time, the hubs capacities are limited, and they face congestion if the demand exceeds a defined value. A M/M/C queue system is applied to deal with the congestion. A non-linear mathematical model is proposed and a medium-sized case study is applied to address the concerns of this research. According to the results, customers are highly interested in competitive criteria of price and delivery time. Based on sensitivity analysis, price significantly affects the competitiveness and capability of absorbing new customers.
  Keywords: Hub Covering Location Problem; Pricing; Uncertainty; Stochastic Demand.
  
  
• Effective green supply chain practices for business performance improvement of Thai electronics industry  
  by Busaba Phruksaphanrat, Kankanit Kamolkittiwong 
  Abstract: This study aims to identify the potential correlation between green supply chain management (GSCM) practices and business performance of firms in the Thai electronics industry to find the effective GSCM practices. Structured questionnaires were sent by mail to 67 of the electronics firms in Thailand that have joined the Green Industry Project. Canonical correlation analysis was used to test hypotheses. GSCM practices lead to improvement of business performance in the following aspects: Environmental, competitive, operational and economic performances. The effective GSCM practices that have strong influence on business performances are clean manufacturing technologies, ISO 14001, and commitment to GSCM of senior managers. This study presents GSCM practices and business performances that cover all activities in the supply chain. Moreover, it aims to explore the relationships between GSCM practices and main business performances. Effective GSCM practices for Thai electronics industry are shown. Guidelines for improvement of each business performance are presented.
  Keywords: Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM); Business Performance; Electronics Industry; Green Industry; Canonical correlation analysis.
  
  
• Crowdsourcing-based business model for online customer service: A case study  
  by Jukka Majava, Kaisa Hyvärinen 
  Abstract: Crowdsourcing has changed how people work and created new types of business models. Crowdsourcing can be utilised by outsourcing small organisational tasks that are usually performed in-house or building the whole business concept upon an unknown crowd. This paper presents how a literature based framework can be applied to develop an innovative crowdsourcing based business model in online customer service. The relevant literature on crowdsourcing, business models, and customer services was reviewed. The business model of a start up firm was analysed in the empirical study. The key elements, challenges, and benefits of a crowdsourcing-based online customer service business were defined. The key challenges of the model include service quality, service availability, crowd motivation, client attraction, a balance between the crowd and client numbers, and platform-related challenges. The main advantages of the model include cost-effectiveness, an industry-specific crowd, service availability, competitive service quality, human touch, and a lower price point.
  Keywords: business model; crowdsourcing; customer services; innovation; value creation.